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Individuals from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was immediate and harsh.

“What a disgusting and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.